Eagles in the Khutzeymateen

The Grizzly bears are the kings of the Khutzeymateen’s wildlife. In the air, the eagles hold a similar position among the birds along the ten mile inlet. Most were Bald eagles but a few Golden eagles were also in residence to enjoy the salmon runs that were in full swing.

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Constant adversaries on the prairies, eagles and ravens, were occasionally found chasing one or the other around the towering pines.

Often adolescents were dining on the fish in the creeks alongside the seagulls. That may have been much less trouble than jousting with their elders for the prime fishing locations at the mouth of the estuary.

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When the heavy rain would roll down the valley, most of the eagles would weather it in the open on a raised perch of one type or another. They probably don’t care too much about it but on the first two days where there were few breaks in the downpour, I thought there must be at least a few that hunted around for shelter. I didn’t find them but the exposed raptors provided a good subject when the bears were not to be found.

When the rain did stop, the wings were unfolded to air dry and the daily activities resumed.

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Photographing the eagles throughout the trip into the Khutzeymateen was one of the collective highlights. I’m fortunate to see them occasionally on the prairies but it was a real pleasure to be able to watch them along the coastline and up in the tops of the rainforest.

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